Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Joy - Happiness Independent of Life's Circumstances

A friend challenged me to look for small things through out the day that made me smile as a combatant for the days when no matter how good life is overall I allow a few negative things to be my focus. So I decided to share those with you. Over the next several weeks/months I will be adding to this post until I reach the designated number and have hopefully grinned my way through the summer :D

Happy Guitar Music ~ Picnics in the back yard ~ Text ~ Waking up to Sunshine
Vanilla Carmel Tea ~ Reading a good Book ~ Coffee ~ A Quick Run
Laying in the grass ~ Reading in the sunshine ~ Friendship ~ Bubbles ~Balloons
Paper crafts ~ Spring cleaning, yes I said cleaning ;)

Monday, April 23, 2012

21 Years Ago

Twenty-one years ago this month, my last name changed when I was adopted into the Sanborn family. Adoption has meant many things to me but mostly it means I belong.

Adoption is a beautiful picture of what God has done for each of us. He takes those who don't belong, both the ones who think they are ok and the ones that feel lost and alone, and makes them His own. He gives us all the privileges and rights of a natural child, they are ours whether we use them or not. He is patient as we accept this new position and learn all that it means: we are His and we belong.

I can with confidence say: I'm a Sanborn...
I can with confidence say: I'm God's child...
I am loved and accepted
Given grace when I make mistakes
Taught how to take steps and walk
I can laugh because regardless of what tomorrow holds I am loved
I can face the world with confidence because I have a strong foundation

Being Christian encompasses a lot of things, the part I treasure most is: I have a family that knows no bounds and can be found everywhere. Being adopted means many things, for me it means I belong and I am loved. 

My parents have given me many things: Love, food, clothing, an education, a home, a family, but most importantly they have introduced me to my Savior and helped bring me into an even bigger family, God's family.  My Dad may not always be there to hold me when I cry or to help rescue me if the car breaks down; Mom may not be able to make my favorite food to cheer me up after a hard day or sit and listen while I muddle through a problem, but I know that no matter how far away I am they are talking to my heavenly father about me and are entrusting me to His care. I am so glad I'm a Sanborn and I am so glad I'm a Christian.